Dale Earnhardt

An Afghan in Tunisian Crochet© 2001 Cindy Murray

All rights reserved.

Please read through all the instructions before starting this project!

Please Note:

This pattern is worked using the afghan stitch. You should be familiar with this stitch before attempting this afghan. The method I used is the color-change method, however you can do this afghan using cross-stitch. I suggest that you have at least some experience changing colors in afghan stitch before attempting to do so with this pattern.

For a tutorial on special techniques used in this pattern, please go to http://home.attbi.com/~crochet_cindy/tutorial/afghan.htm

The afghan is divided into six graphs so that the grid is not too small to read. If you have trouble and loose your place, I recommend that you tape the sides of the graphs together to make one or two larger pieces.

Materials:Red Heart Super Saver no dye lot yarn in 8 ounce skeins: 8 Black , 3 Red, 7 White, 1 Grey, and a small amount of Blue (for the GM symbol).

Hook: Size H flexible afghan crochet hook, or hook needed to achieve guage.

Guage: 4 sts = 1". Be sure to check your guage! The graphic in this pattern will be distorted if your guage is off.

Finished Size: Approximately 70" W x 80" L

Pattern Notes:

1. Try not to carry unused yarn across more than two stitches or rows, as there is no way to "crochet over" carried yarn, and it will leave loops which can be snagged. I generally try to start a new bobbin any time a color is not used in the next

two stitches.2. It is not necessary to tie yarn on with a knot, however

leave a 6 to 8 inch tail for weaving.do

3. DO NOT count the first loop on the hook as the first stitch! The first stitch will be the first loop you pull up. This is contrary to the standard method, but is necessary to maintain the overall look of the afghan.

4. Graphs are worked from right to left starting at the bottom.

With black, chain 336 .LOOSELY

Rows 1-20: Work in afghan stitch across.

Rows 21-30: Work black for 20 stitches, red for 295 stitches, and black for the last 20 stitches.

Rows 31-295 (next 265 rows): Work 20 stitches in black and 10 red before working as per chart. Finish each row with 10 red, then 20 black.

Rows 296-305: Work black for 20 stitches, red for 295 stitches, and black for the last 20 stitches.

Rows 306-325: Work in black across. Fasten off.

Edging:There are two suggested ways to edge this afghan. Both should provide enough weight to the border/edging to hold the afghan flat. Additional blocking may be required.

Reverse Single Crochet Edge: I edged the sample afghan in black with one round of single crochet and then a round of reverse single crochet using 2 strands. This provides a nice "bound off" edge to the afghan. To keep it from rippling due to the bulk of the 2 strands, I skipped every third stitch. Don't forget to put three stitches in the corners.

Blanket Binding: I have not tried this border myself, but it looks very sturdy and may add additional weight to the edge of the afghan, which would help to flatten out those curled ends even more. Instructions for this simple border can be found in the free patterns area at (http://hometown.aol.com/lffunt/page.html).

Priscilla's Crochet

Finishing:Weave in all ends. Enjoy! Oh, and don't forget to let me know how it turned out!